All comments should be sent to BBTRS@usace.army.mil (NOT to the project manager)

Within each of the 3-hour public meetings will be three (3) presentations, on the half hour. So someone interested in attending can come at 5, 6 or 7:00pm. There will be exhibits around the room to look at, and then the Corps will give a presentation at 5:30pm, 6:30pm, and 7:30pm.

Anyone who wants to comment can pick up a comment card at the meeting, submit by email to BBTRS@usace.army.mil or mail to the Corps in Galveston as per the notice.

Residents of Texas's 7th congressional district faced and are still facing some of the most devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey. Join our conversation about next steps, assistance, plans, and applying lessons learned to help neighbors here and across the country.

Update received March 18 from Matt Lopez, Harris County Flood Control District:

This week, construction signage will be installed advising that Harris County Flood Control District construction on linear stormwater detention between Eldridge Parkway and Dairy Ashford Road will begin on or about April 9, 2019, and that the area will be closed to the public for the duration of construction. Construction will occur throughout the south bank of Buffalo Bayou in three areas where detention compartments are being built.

We appreciate your ongoing participation in community conversations regarding the continuing improvements the Flood Control District is undertaking in the Buffalo Bayou watershed. Thank you in advance for sharing this information within your organization and area HOAs.

Attached is an image showing the location of the detention compartments, and the construction notice which was mailed to more than 2,500 households in January 2019. Below we have outlined a few points which we hope will be helpful to you in addressing any questions you receive from neighbors:

Tree Relocation – Precinct 3 has identified 17 trees for relocation. If you see activity in the area before April 9, it is likely this relocation project. These trees are part of a program to relocate native trees to the Environmental Education Center at John Paul Landing Park.

Clearing – Trees and brush will be removed primarily in the three areas where detention compartments will be built. There also may be some limited tree removal for construction access purposes.

Tree Buffers - Plans for the area include preserving a tree buffer where possible between the detention compartments and adjacent private property, and also preserving some trees and vegetation at the water’s edge. After construction, opportunities for reforestation around the construction area will be coordinated by Harris County Precinct 3, which will continue to maintain the property as part of Terry Hershey Park.

Construction Access - Construction equipment will access the work area via public easements and the City of Houston Turkey Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. The contractor will use heavy construction equipment such as dump trucks, excavators and bulldozers to remove trees, vegetation and excavated soil. Motorists are urged to be alert to truck traffic when passing near construction access points.

Trail and Footpath Closures - All trails and footpaths on the south bank of Buffalo Bayou between Eldridge and Dairy Ashford will be closed as needed for public safety for the duration of this project. When visiting Terry Hershey Park, the public is encouraged to enjoy all open sections, to respect warning signs and trail closures, and to avoid construction equipment.

Public input on the project – In 2018, more than 900 people from the project area participated in a survey about this project. When asked to indicate their highest concern of a) reducing flooding in the area, b) protecting forest, and c) recreational amenities, 68% of those surveyed identified reducing flooding as their highest concern.

From City of Houston Public Works Department (via Energy Corridor District)

Beginning Monday, February 25th, Dairy Ashford Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction in order to complete critical utility work at the intersection with Memorial Drive, and is planned to be completed by Thursday, March 28th.

Future intermittent, short-duration, off-peak lane closures will be necessary to complete minor work in the intersection.

We appreciate your ongoing participation in community conversations regarding Harris County Flood Control District activities in the Buffalo Bayou watershed, and we want to make you aware of the attached mailing which has been delivered to residents in your area.

As you probably are aware, beginning in late January, weather permitting and pending final approvals, the Flood Control District will begin construction on linear stormwater detention compartments along the south bank of Buffalo Bayou between Eldridge Parkway and Dairy Ashford Road.

The attached mailer we hope will provide residents with the information they need to better understand the need for this project, as well as what to expect regarding construction and closures in Terry Hershey Park and surrounding neighborhoods.

We know you will receive questions about the mailing and subsequent construction, and we would be pleased to work with you to ensure you have all of the information you need before, during and after construction.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need someone from the Flood Control District to speak to residents in your area.

Please be informed of the planned roadway closure that is scheduled to take place at Eldridge Pkwy. & Memorial Dr. Eldridge Pkwy. (southbound only) will be restricted to one lane from November 26, 2018 through December 14, 2018. Houston Public Works is recommending that all non-local traffic detour through HW6 or Dairy Ashford Rd. to avoid anticipated delays.

The City of Houston has a Mow Down Program that pays non-profit organizations $50 each time they mow down a weeded lot. Because it costs approximately $300 to have a city contractor do the same work, this provides the city a cost savings, and at the same time provides some income to a non-profit.

The Department of Neighborhoods is working hard in the month of August to recruit eligible Non-Profit 501 (c) (3) or (4) status community partners to join the Mow Down program. Their goal is have at least 10 active Non-profit Organizations in each council district to assist in cleaning up and maintaining our neighborhoods one lot at a time. If you know of any non-profit that would be interested in the Mow Down Program, please email usand we will hook you up with the program.

Attached is a flyer and details about a town hall State Rep Jim Murphy is hosting next Tuesday, June 5th. Contact Jason Briggs from Murphy's office at 512-463-0514 for any questions.

FEMA has agreed to come to west Houston for an open house/town hall event to answer any remaining questions folks may have about NFIP flood claims, the NFIP appeals process, and to provide information on insurance going forward ahead of the upcoming hurricane season. The event will be 5p-8p on Tuesday, June 5th at Memorial Church of Christ, 900 Echo Ln., Houston, TX.

FEMA will be available to:

answer general flood insurance claims questions (what items are/aren't covered, information about Increased Cost of Compliance Coverage and how to request it, how to file an appeal with FEMA, how to read your policy)

field inquiries over policies and communicate them directly to policyholder's carriers

provide information about preparing for the upcoming hurricane season and how to purchase flood insurance

FEMA will not be:

adjudicating appeals

determining coverage or making recommendations for payment

selling flood insurance

We will have remarks from local elected officials, presentations by FEMA staff, an open Q&A for general questions about the claims process, and opportunities for attendees to visit directly with FEMA staff about their specific issues. Please call us at 512-463-0514 if you have any questions about this event.